Lessons in Solving the Wrong Problem - Charlie Cochrane Page 0,23
both have an admirer. This is addressed to the pair of us and by Christian name.” He drew out a sheet of paper, then held it at arm’s length to read, not having his spectacles on. “Well, this obviates the need to take the bull by the horns. It’s come of its own accord and meekly surrendered.”
Henry is not aware that I have written this, so please keep what you read in confidence. The treasure trove, while of interest to him, is not entirely the reason you were asked here. He’s too proud—and perhaps too scared—to state what’s really on his mind, so I will. He has long felt there was something suspicious about his father’s death, even though the inquest turned up nothing suspicious. I appreciate that, unless he reveals this to you himself, it will make the solving of the mystery harder but I beg of you to pretend you are simply dealing with the lost treasure.
Beatrice
“I said it was a sprat!” Jonty declared gleefully.
“And I knew there was something not quite right about a man setting out on a horse to play billiards if the weather was so foul.” Orlando took the letter, scanning it again. “It’s going to be awkward investigating if we’re not supposed to know that’s what we’re looking into. How will we present the results?”
“We’ll find a way.” Jonty patted his lover’s back, easing him towards the door. “You said this mystery wasn’t worthy of our abilities. It is now.”
Chapter Five
Saturday morning appeared to herald another beautiful day.
Jonty had managed to catch Orlando before they’d gone down to breakfast and, between them, they had devised a plan of campaign. They wanted to see the treasure field, preferably accompanied by their host, in order to pose him some questions. Orlando suggested they also nip down and consult Applecross at his dig, but Jonty had said that would have to wait for Sunday evening when they were back in Cambridge, as the excavation didn’t operate at weekends. Orlando would have to be content with an interview with their hostess—she’d surely be able to engineer one that wouldn’t arouse her husband’s suspicions—while Jonty would use that time to visit both Herron’s house and the ruined chapel. If he could persuade Henry to come along, so much the better.
Once they got a view of the site, the extent of the problem became plain. Naturally sloping, the field clearly had some degree of instability, given the evidence of land movement, some of which was quite recent. In one area, the Roman culvert had been exposed although, while cracked, it didn’t appear to have been broken entirely. The proposed dye experiments would perhaps still work as long as there was enough flow. Another small spring had also arisen from the water table, which might explain the original having almost dried up.
Jonty turned slowly through a circle, surveying all the field. “In my imagination, I saw this as an area a quarter of the size it is. I now understand the issue. Even if there had been no storm, unless you took precise measurements to pinpoint the spot or could see evidence of where you’d been, finding a hoard again would be a nightmare.”
Their host nodded. “I’m so pleased you appreciate the extent of the challenge. I long ago gave up talking about the matter, as so many people thought we’d simply been stupid.”
“Did all this earth movement happen in that first storm?” Orlando asked.
“Not all.” Henry removed his hat, mopping his brow where the sun was already making its presence felt. “We had a nasty few months of it, weather wise. although one good thing might be said to have come from that time. The lower fields were supposed to be ploughed but became bogged down, so were left fallow. Then one of my tenants decided to try the area with Hereford cattle and, as a result, the Roman remains were protected from further harm. I hope Applecross appreciates the fact.”
“I’m sure he does.” Jonty surveyed the land again, then said casually. “I can envisage what sort of a night it was. The type Papa says he wouldn’t send a cat out in.”
“Not even a ghost one?” Henry paused for a moment, then said, “yes, it was exactly that sort of night. Indeed, a whole run of them for the next few days. Not the sort of evenings my father would have chosen to go out in, normally, but he felt an obligation.”
Jonty had been hoping for this opportunity.